Bigstone Band fights to balance both old and new

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Wabasca/Desmarais and the people of the Bigstone Band have nothing to worry about when it comes to making a weary traveler or a visitor, such as myself, feel comfortable while in their community.

I couldn't believe it when Master of Ceremonies James Yellowknee said, "Okay everyone. A warm welcome to our next contestant, our chief, Mr. Mike Beaver!" This was said at a talent show that saw almost the whole community turn out to try and raise money for this year's Santas Anonymous fund. They collected $1,500 at this particular gathering.

It was a delight to see the chief of the Bigstone Band involved with a community function, away from his everyday work and enjoying it and becoming involved as a contestant on top of that.

Council and chief are aware of the community problems that face members of their band. As Councillor Denys Auger put it, many of the people hang on to the old ways of living, hunting and fishing, and then others who have come out of the boarding schools have different thoughts.

"It is sometimes hard for us to balance the old and new styles. I was raised across Lake Wabasca and I still practice my tradition the way I was taught. I still live in a log house and now I see people are starting to grow gardens again, the way it used to be," commented Auger, while further mentioning the old people want to continue with traditional whereas the younger generations lean towards a modern lifestyle, creating a gap.

"We are trying to combine both ways of life, and I think the tea dances and powwows that were lost are now coming back slowly. People are working in the communities, but the attraction for the younger people is not there. We are starting to promote new ideas but it is just in the starting phase. We know we have to because we are losing our culture and heritage," said another councillor, Charles Beaver.

Education is important to the people of the Bigstone Band and the community of Wabasca/Desmarais boasts of two schools of mixed denominations under the Northlands School Division.

Grade 12 education can be reached right in their own area, not like other isolated areas where many Native students must adjust to living away from home, or attending school in the cities, to further their education.

"As far as the youth are concerned, we have a youth worker. In fact we have three workers in one office to deal with social problems. We hold workshops and take the youth out on hunting, camping and fishing trips. It's a good way to show we care and want to help," Auger says.

Wabasca/Desmarais has many programs that deal with the youth. As Auger puts it, they have great Native athletes in the community and many play on hockey teams that compete against other towns and reserve in their area.

"The hard fact is that we still lack in recreational facilities. But it is a known fact when there are recreational activities for the youth, their marks improve tremendously. The teachers see to that," Auger said.

"Indian Affairs sees we are getting more and more positive ideas. But with all the money invested in students, we must get something back. They are our resources, our future leaders," commented Beaver.

Beaver understands that the development of the Wabasca/Desmarais area, economically, is important when he talks about the youth.

"They receive their Grade 12 here, but when they finish university, or school and come back here, we are limited for jobs for them. The educated people who come back are completely adequate for jobs, but social problems prevent them from obtaining employment. We are faced with realities, no jobs, and then we lost an important resource, the students."

With a caring administration, chief and council who see the difficulties that faces the Bigstone Band, they are slowly progressing to the point where the Bigstone Band has now the benefit of the doubt, to move ahead.

Chief Beaver and his council are now working on a five-year plan for the Bigstone Band that will help develop thecommunity in a sound economic base filled with its culture.

My visit to the Bigstone Band reassured me that Native people can negotiate, develop and plan positive foundations for Native generations to come, while still having a great time such as at the first annual talent show, which by the way, filled the gymnasium to capacity.